Helpful Hints, Ideas, and Information

3 Reasons Not to Buy the Best House in the Neighborhood

By Laura Monley | Nov 27, 2023

KEY POINTS There are many things to think about when you’re looking for a house to buy. It may sound counterintuitive, but you generally don’t want to buy the best house in the neighborhood. There are considerable downsides to buying the best house in the area, including the effect on your home’s value When you […]

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6 Things to Consider When Choosing a Front Door

By Laura Monley | Oct 25, 2023

The front door of your home serves as the gateway to your personal sanctuary, playing a pivotal role in first impressions, security, and energy efficiency. In this article, we delve into the five key considerations you should bear in mind when choosing a front door that complements your home’s style while ensuring safety and optimal […]

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What Hurts Property Value? 7 Things to Address Now

By Laura Monley | Oct 25, 2023

Property values fluctuate as a result of many factors, and as a homeowner, it’s important to be aware of factors that can drive home values down. Some of these factors are out of your control, such as market conditions, interest rates, and the economy, while others are very much in your control. From unappealing renovations […]

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How to Boost Your Home Value for 2024: Professional Home Appraisers Weigh In

By Laura Monley | Oct 25, 2023

Are you curious what home upgrades can boost your property’s value? Whether you’re a homeowner in San Marcos, CA, looking to maximize your property’s sale potential, or a seller seeking a deeper understanding of the Katy, TX, housing market, this Redfin article explores insights from professional homes appraisers on how to boost your home’s value […]

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7 Reasons To Own A Home

By Laura Monley | Oct 25, 2023

Owning a home is a significant life milestone and often viewed as a critical factor in achieving the “American dream.” Since current housing conditions favor sellers over buyers in numerous markets, you could feel discouraged about the prospects of achieving your dreams now. Don’t despair! This is an excellent time to remember the many benefits […]

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How To Remove Private Mortgage Insurance Early

By Laura Monley | Oct 25, 2023

If you’re paying for private mortgage insurance (PMI) on your home loan, you may qualify to remove it early. Since mortgage insurance only protects your loan servicer (the company you make your mortgage payments to) and not you, the sooner you can get rid of it and stop paying monthly premiums, the better. Here’s an […]

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Home Improvements That Pay Off, and Those That Do Not

By Laura Monley | Sep 6, 2023

It’s nice to live in a home that’s designed just the way you like, even if you have to spend money on remodeling. But when it comes to increasing a home’s value, some pricey home improvements won’t come close to matching the amount of money you invest. If you don’t plan on moving in the […]

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What to Look for When Buying a House

By Laura Monley | Sep 6, 2023

The home search can be one of the most exciting and overwhelming stages of the homebuying process, especially for first-time homebuyers. To help you find your dream home, use this checklist chock full of questions to ask yourself, so you’ll know exactly what to look for when buying a house 1) Where do you want […]

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What Is Curb Appeal? How to Supercharge the First Impression Buyers Have of Your Home

By Laura Monley | Sep 4, 2023

This all-important practice will improve how your home looks to buyers right as they pull up and park—or even as they drive by (slowly, one hopes). That includes your front yard, driveway, and your home’s exterior, from its paint job to the potted plants on your patio to even the welcome mat that greets people […]

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